Collective Bargaining and Labor Negotiations

Workshop Description

July 5 | 6PM—10PM & July 8 | 9AM—5PM

In the Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector class, the students will learn the processes involved with collective bargaining. We will be starting with a brief introduction into the establishment of a union (i.e. union certification by the State of Florida). Then, we will be proceeding to how union contracts are negotiated with the governmental agencies, including discussions on how when agreements are not reached, the impasse process resolves the issues. Additionally, the various processes used by unions to appeal management’s decisions will be discussed – the grievance/arbitration procedure and unfair labor practices. After discussing the various processes, the students will participate in a scenario that will provide hands on experience and understanding of the materials covered.

Facilitator Biography

Elsa Jaramillo-Vélez, Esq.

Elsa I. Jaramillo-Velez has been working in the public sector for nearly 16 years. Currently, Ms. Jaramillo-Velez is th eHuman Resources and Risk Management Director at the City of North Miami Beach. Prior to this position, she was the Human Resources Director at the City of Coral Gables and the Interim Director/Deputy Director in the City of Miami Department of Employee Relations. While at the City of Miami, Ms. Jaramillo-Velez also served as an Assistant City Attorney in the City Attorney’s Office and was assigned to the Employment and Land Use Divisions. Ms. Jaramillo-Velez has a law degree from the University of Florida, College of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida International University. She is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar. She is an adjunct professor at FIU’s MPA program where she teaches Human Resources Management & Policy.